The Mound on the Mount: A Possible Solution to the “Problem with Jerusalem”

Author

Finkelstein, Israel

Author

Koch, Ido

Author

Lipschits, Oded

Journal

Journal of Hebrew Scriptures (Volume: 11, Issue: 12)

Year (Publication)

2011

Year (Original (1st Edition))

2011

Year (Copyright)

2011

Year (Reference)

2011

Language

English

Pages

1-24 Pages

Genre

Original

Abstract

Following Knauf's suggestion (2000), the article raises the possibility that in most periods in the second and first millennia BCE the main built-up area of Jerusalem was limited to a mound on the Temple Mount. This mound, which may have covered an area of five hectares and more, was boxed-in under the Herodian platform. At these periods activity in the City of David ridge was restricted to the area near the Gihon spring. In the Iron IIB and late Hellenistic Periods the fortified settlement expanded simultaneously to both the City of David ridge and the southwestern hill. In these two periods there was no need to fortify the western side of the City of David, as this line ran in the middle of the city.